Crime:
The noun crime refers to any type of illegal activities committed by a person, it is an offence that is legally prohibited. If a person commits a crime they are called a criminal and are punished by the government.
For example:
- “What crime did he commit?” “He robbed a bank and held a security guard at gunpoint.”
- The prosecutor provided sufficient evidence for the criminal to be found guilty for the crime he committed.
- If you vandalise somebody else’s property, you are breaking the law and the vandalism is considered be a crime.
- The man was sentenced to five years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit.
The noun can also be used to refer to less serious acts that are wrong, senseless, shameful or irresponsible but aren’t against the law.
For example:
- The decision to knock down one of the city’s oldest landmark is a crime! That building is priceless and is part of our city’s history.
- “Let’s go to the park, it would be a crime to stay indoors on a day like to today, the weather is beautiful!” she said to her husband.
Felony:
A felony refers to very serious or grave crimes such as rape, arson, kidnapping and murder.
For example:
- In many countries around the world felony murder is punishable by death.
- The couple were charged with felony kidnapping and sentenced to seven years in jail.
- The felony rape charge was dropped when it was discovered that the evidence had been contaminated.
Misdemeanor:
A misdemeanor on the other hand refers to crimes that are less serious than felonies. For example, an assault, traffic offence or assault would be considered to be misdemeanors as opposed to felonies.
Here are some more examples:
- She was brought to trial on misdemeanor charges for speeding and breaking a red light in a residential area.
- The football fan was charged with misdemeanor battery and has to do 120 hours community service.
- The man was reported to the police and he was found guilty for misdemeanor theft in court.
